Review: Condor Tapanga

The machete is an extremely useful tool for survival in tropical and sub-tropical forests, as well as an agricultural implement, and a weapon when needed. The machete has a history several centuries long, beginning with the invasion of the Americas by the Spanish and the adaptation of European blade technology for the thick forests of Central and South America. Early swords such as the espada ancha were utilized both for war and work and were gradually developed better and better for the local environments. By the Age of Industrialization, the Espada Ancha was no more, replaced by factory made blades (in local styles) that were exported to Latin America and Africa. Today there are many companies. Names such as Collins, Imacasa, Tramontina, Colima, Ontario, Martindale, and Condor come to mind. Oh, and Cold Steel, which usually make good knives, but soft, overpriced machetes.

Today we're dealing the Condor made Tapanga. Condor is an off-shoot of Imacasa's and they make higher quality blades mainly for the American market. Both are based in El Salvador. Seeing as how Imacasa already has a decent reputation, and hearing of good experiences with Condor, I decided to give 'em a try.

The Tapanga, Panga, and other related styles all have a wide blade 14-20" long generally, and have most of their weight in the front. Supposedly these are popular in the Caribbean as well as south and east Africa - I've never been, I don't know for sure. However, generally this style is known for being a good chopping machete. Condor's version has a 20" blade made of 1075 carbon steel and blackened with a protective epoxy finish. It comes pretty sharp and has a comfortable hardwood(?) handle. It's about 2 and a half lbs. Fullers help lighten the blade and improve its flexibility and strength - this machete has 'em. The sheath is decent (conceptually), but the set up isn't conducive for a quick draw of the blade. The swiveling belt-loop is a great feature. The tapanga feels good and seems to chop, slash, and cut quite well. When compared to the Chinese made Wortools Tapanga, it clearly outshines it. The Wortools machete comes somewhat blunt, has a slightly loose soft wood handle, and seems to have a lower quality steel. Then again, Wortool's Tapanga I got for $8, where-as Condor's was $55.  Yea, DAMN! This ain't your normal cheap 'chete, it's a quality blade.

I can see it getting tiring if hacking at soft vegetation for hours since it's heftier than many other machete-styles, however unless clearing land for trails or agriculture, survival rarely requires you to hack that much. For combat, its 20" chopping blade makes it a fearsome weapon, but it must be used as intended, a tough chopping and hacking blade. You cannot treat it like a fast, thin fighting blade meant for quick cuts and long slashes. Like the Chinese Da-dao, this is best for fierce splitting and hacking attacks, most of which are more vertically oriented, striking downwards at your opponent's head, neck, shoulders, and arms, or even bending your knees to quickly strike low, cutting their quads or knees. The drawback of such a blade in combat would be the lack of stabbing, upward cuts being more difficult, and slower recovery time.

Please enjoy this video to see for yourself the Tapanga in action. It's not very professional, but it does its job. I apologize in advanced for the lousy camera.